This past fall, University of Miami President Donna E. Shalala announced that she is stepping down at the end of the 2014-2015 university year (summer 2015) after 14 years of distinguished service.
UM’s current era was launched in June 2001 with the naming of Shalala as the fifth president in the history of the institution. Her presidency has been marked by accelerated progress in all key areas—teaching and learning, the discovery of new knowledge, the delivery of cutting-edge medical care, service to the region and beyond, and fundraising.
Under her leadership, UM rapidly advanced into the top-tier of American higher education, joining the nation’s finest research universities.
President Shalala has also served as a professor of political science, teaching one of the University’s largest and most popular courses focusing on the politics and economics of health care. She plans to return to the faculty as a professor of political science and health policy.
This event is intended for the University community.
WHEN/WHERE: 4 p.m. sharp, April 30. Student Activities Center (third floor), 1330 Miller Drive, UM’s Coral Gables campus.
The only thing hotter than the sweltering 95-degree weather at Mark Light Field Sunday was the Miami offense.
The thirteenth-ranked Hurricanes plated runs in each of the first five innings, including four home runs by four different players, as the hosts salvaged their series by thumping No. 12 Florida State 12-0 in an afternoon scorcher.
Miami, who outhit the Seminoles 18-7, rebounded from a blowout loss Saturday night and a heartbreaking 17-inning defeat Friday.
"This is a crazy game," head coach Jim Morris said. "It's amazing, from one day to the next, how this game can change, from one side to the other side."
Junior George Iskenderian tied a career high with four hits, and joked afterwards that the sun might have heated up the Hurricanes bats.
All nine Hurricane starters recorded at least one hit in an impressive barrage.
"It's baseball. You have to have a short memory," Iskenderian said. "I think every guy in the locker room believes in themselves, regardless of what happened those first two games.
"Every day is a new day in baseball. We took advantage of that today."
Not to be outdone, junior Enrique Sosa continued his home dominance with another strong start. The righthander tossed 6.0+ innings, scattering just six hits and no runs with five strikeouts.
"This game starts with pitching," Morris said. "He pitched a great game. We got some big hits and got a big lead early, but he pitched well."
With the performance, Sosa (6-3) lowered his home ERA to 0.96 and improved his home record to 5-0.
"It felt really good. All my pitches were working," Sosa said. "I could spot up almost every pitch. The defense behind me played really well - that helps."
Iskenderian said a pregame speech from captain Bryan Garcia helped motivate the team, who struggled to generate any momentum in Saturday night's 15-5 loss.
"He said, 'Don't forget the reason why you started playing,'" Iskenderian recalled. "'Those first two games are over. Just come out here, have fun the way you did when you were in little league, just play as hard as you can, and the rest will take care of itself.'
Quite often on Canespace we see photos of Sun Life Stadium, pictures of players and numerous photos of Canespacers having a great time tailgating.
Here are a different set of photos, taken on campus during an away game in November 1991. A specific game that lives on in Canes lore: Wide Right I.
The game was of course close, and at one point I was so disgusted with FSU's lead that I turned it off and began playing Madden. But I tuned back in during the fourth quarter, in time to see the comeback and then to witness FSU set up for what they had hoped was a game-winning field goal.
The rest on television was history, but here's what happened at the U.
The reaction was immediate. Hundreds of rolls of toilet paper streamed from the dorm windows of Hecht and Mahoney, blanketing the trees below. The campus echoed with cheers, and students milled out to gaze in wonder at the debris that was raining down around them.
Impromptu celebrations took place, as members of the surrounding Coral Gables community cheered along with students. Needless to say, the mess left behind was considerable, as was the celebration!
On October 10, 2015 Miami will again make a special road trip.
And let the reaction to our victory be equally as raucous!
This article was written for Canespace by blogger UMIke...
Finishing the college football season 6-7 with four straight losses to close out the year will sting most football programs. When two of those losses are against teams named Virginia and Pittsburg, it really stings. But when that happens to the University of Miami, it is downright painful.
While most programs with a tradition as rich as Miami’s would have made a change after a season such as this, our current administration choose not to. It has been well documented here on CaneSpace that this lack of change rustled the feathers of many Cane fans, myself included. Those rustled feathers grew into frustration, which grew into hate… a hate that almost brought this beloved blog to a screeching halt. Since I am a known and documented hater on this blog, I thought most of the hate towards the staff and administration was warranted. Haters like me were simply hurting.
But like most painful things in life, time heals. With spring ball in the books, last season seems like a distant memory. While the fact that Al Golden is still our coach is a hard pill to follow for some fans, the reality is we cannot change that fact. With that being said, it is a great time to look forward to some of the positive things happening with our beloved football program. Here are some of the many things of us fans have to look forward to in 2015.
A continued social media onslaught: Some have criticized this area of the program, myself included, but this is one area that Al Golden and staff have excelled at. While most fans would prefer to see on-field results instead, we cannot change those results without some off-field results. This is a different day and age and social media is now a huge part in the daily lives of young athletes everywhere. Golden and staff have been pioneers when it comes to the use of social media to reach out to recruits and to help further build Miami’s brand. The #SWAG16 hashtag and slogan has taken on a life of its own and may be part of the reason Miami’s 2016 class has filled up so quickly. With it spreading so fast and more and more recruits tweeting about it, some players may feel the need to not miss the bus and become a part of something special. The staff has also made it a point to announce player commitments or potential commitments loud and clear with statements like “Welcome to the U” or “Another Flag Planted” etc. This gives the players a feeling of being wanted, shows that the staff is genuinely happy they have decided to commit to Miami. This also informs rivals coaches that this is OUR State. So while it may be seen as needless or over-the-top by some, there is no doubt this is having a positive effect on the program.
An improved defense: I have been known to call out my buddy Go Canes for comments I consider to be nothing more than “homerism”. One of the most blatant cases being his continued belief that Miami’s defense would improve because they were deeper and more talented, especially along the defensive line. For the last couple of seasons I simply laughed this off as pure homer talk. But this year… this year looks different. One of my biggest issues with Golden has been his seeming unwillingness to change anything. It has come across to me that he truly believed his system was the best available and he was just missing the talent or smarts to execute said system. This stubborn stance had him destined to fail in my opinion. It seems however, that Golden actually went and sought advice in regards to his defense and has implemented changes accordingly. Seeking advice from Pete Carroll was a very, very smart move and proves maybe Golden can change some of his stripes after all. We have heard the coaches as well as players speak about the changes, and one recurring theme seems to be more aggression. With changes to gap assignments, more pressure on the quarterback and an overall more attacking style defense, this year’s defense has the potential to be the best Miami has had in years. The talent is there, especially along the defensive line. The deep and talented defensive haul from the 2014 class should pay dividends this season. For those who forgot the 2014 class included many 4 and 5 star kids including Chad Thomas, Trent Harris, Demetrius Jackson, Anthony Moten and Mike Smith. That class also had plenty of underrated talent in the way of Courtel Jenkins, Michael Wyche, Calvin Heurtelou and others. If Golden sticks with these changes and a more aggressive style, look for an improved defense this upcoming season.
Top 5 recruiting class: Unless you have been living under a rock, you know Miami’s 2016 class is already loaded. Although it is early, Miami is currently enjoying the second ranked class in the nation. The 2016 class already has 9 players rated 4-stars or better by at least one of the major recruiting services. I expect that number to grow. Miami currently has 9 players from the ESPN300 with more than a few more left to grab. Of Miami’s current 20 commits, all 20 are from the State of Florida with a whopping 15 from Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. We all know that is a recipe for success at the University of Miami.
Stay tuned for part 2 when we will take a look at a few more reasons to be positive heading into next season included Brad Kaaya, a healthy and hardworking Stacy Coley and more...
The question at hand seems to be: "What is a sports fan?"
One definition I found was, “an enthusiastic devotee (as of a sport or a performing art) usually as a spectator”. Another more simple definition was “an enthusiastic devotee of sports”.
I could not find a single definition that spoke of going to games, being positive at all times no matter the state of said team or attending CaneSpace events.
I have been blogging /contributing to this blog for over seven years now. Although it has been a while, I have personally written close to ten articles for this blog. I created the current banner image at the top of this blog along with the one used before it. I have also helped monitor this blog for approximately three years. I have spent time with and become friends with great people from this blog. I fought for this blog. When others left I stayed loyal. When other blogs were created, I stayed loyal. When SOUP/86 had his own blog wars with former posters, I fought along with him to protect this blog and his name.
I do not mention these things to gloat or seek praise, I mention these things to illustrate a point…I am loyal. I do not run when things get tough or when things do not go my way. I do not mind being called a hater or a negative nancy. I have clearly earned those titles. I do not mind going back and forth with any blogger no matter his/her status on this blog. I do not mind the indirect jabs and cheap shots that are taken at me on this blog from either its owner or some dude lurking around it. No, those things do not get to me.
However, questioning if I am a “real” fan does.
I do not believe ANY blogger on this or any other blog has the right to question another blogger’s fandom or to suggest that they are somehow, some way a bigger/better fan. Does going to games make you a fan? Do attending CaneSpace outings make you a fan? Does sending money to the University make you a fan? Does purchasing merchandise make you a fan? Or does pouring your heart and energy into your team make you a fan?
My grandmother is the reason I am a Canes fan. She is the woman that got me started all those years ago. She was the biggest Canes fan I knew. She never attended a single game her whole life. She never wore a single Canes shirt her whole life and if us kids ever did you better believe it was found at a thrift store. My grandmother cannot tell you the names of all the great Cane players that have passed through. She cannot tell you the coaches’ names who won those 5 national titles. But what she can do, what she can show, is an undeniable devotion and energy to and for her Canes.
When the game was on she was glued to our television, screaming during every play. Everyone knew to be quiet. If we were not at home, the game would be on the radio in the car. Her passion for the team was very evident. Same with the Dolphins. No one in my family would dare question if she was a fan. We knew. But according to different bloggers on this blog she is not a real fan at all.
I’m not a fan because I have a ton of Cane gear. Im not a fan because I watch the games on TV. I'm not a fan because I make it to a game or two a year. Sure those things are all great signs I’m a fan, but I am a fan because I love my Canes and I pour my heart and energy into them. That love is what makes me blog day in and day out about them for years. It’s that love that causes me to be seen as negative when they are doing bad.
Despite how bad things have been with my Canes, I have never wavered in my support. I have never wavered in my love for them. I do however speak about them a little differently these days. If my shifting opinions during the programs current state make me an “arm chair coach, so be it. I have earned the right to complain. But does that make me less of a fan? Or does the sting of the pain show I am a fan? This blog is for the fans. Not for “positive all day every day fans” or “were gonna go from 6-7 to 12-0 fans”, but ALL fans. Or at least it used to be.
We all share in this blog because we are fans of the Miami Hurricanes, the greatest program in history. We all spend our time, energy and emotion on our Canes and this blog. Some want to stay positive in the midst of the down time while others share their frustration with sarcastic comments about how bad we have become. Both sides are still fans. You see it’s NOT about what us bloggers say, it’s about us being on this blog day in and day out saying anything. It is that devotion, that emotion and that energy that prove we are ALL fans… not one bigger than the other and not one better than the other.
CaneSpace rule #305: Never question a bloggers fanhood.
Because if you do, and you know how we roll in the 305, you just might wind up on a stick at someone's BBQ tailgate party. And I'm not jus sayin...
It can be caused by a variety of factors in people who experience a wide range of traumatic events in their lives. Most commonly associated with soldiers who experience the horror of combat, PTSD can be caused by suffering physical or sexual abuse as a child, major accidents, natural disasters, serious physical injury, terrorist attacks and any acts of violence such as assault, rape or robbery can all lead to long term, lasting effects on individuals who experience or witness these events.
The effects of PTSD can be wide ranging and far reaching on people trying to analyze, accept and assimilate these traumatic experiences into the reality of their daily lives. Excessive worry, anxiety and fear, extreme anger and negativity, depression, phobias and stress disorders are common factors that affect people's lives on a daily basis.
Losing to Penn State in the Fiesta Bowl in 1986 was bad.
Losing to Ohio State in the 2002 Fiesta Bowl was even worse.
Losing games repeatedly to teams that the Miami Hurricanes easily should have beat over the last 8-10 years is decidedly even worse and has led many UM fans into the utter despair often that leads to PTSD.
Even so, we encourage faithful Miami football fans like UMike to refuse to be disheartened by these tragic losses, to not be depressed by a few losing seasons and to find a glimmer of light, a faint glimpse of hope and a strong stance of faith that this too shall pass and that your mighty Miami Hurricanes will once again rise to the glory that we have known for over three decades.
The Miami Hurricanes football team will rise up as they gain strength and momentum and then be counted once again among the college football elites.
And let it be said that it was said here first and foremost at Canespace.
Here at Canespace we try to be a full service blog and that is why we offer many free services like travel information, exciting outdoor adventures, event planning and occasionally some serious therapy for our dedicated bloggers.
Today in our first threapy session we tackle the difficult subject of blind spots.
You see in a therapeutic construct "blind spots" are not the areas that you cannot see in your rearview mirrors while driving on South Beach or near a water hole while staring sideways at biking clad hotties crossing the street.
Blind spots in a psychological sense are those things that everyone who knows they can easily see about you that you simply cannot see for yourself. You in effect become "blind" to your own weaknesses, vulnerabilities and the falicies of your own individual dogmatic ideologies.
Some bloggers here at Canespace see themselves as "realists". Yet, in reality they are nothing short of glass-half-empty holding totally dedicated pessimists.
They say things like: "Miami COULD lose to team A, B, C and D", while somehow magically resisting or ingonring the natural urge to say: "Miami COULD win against teams like A, B, C and D.
Yet at Canespace, some bloggers say the same negative nonsense everyday, all day long for 365 days in a row and somehow expect to be embraced with open arms for their incredibly honest and righteous, yet flawed, view of the world.
That is a blind spot.
That is inaccurate and at times even bordering on ignorant.
It serves no purpose whatsoever except to prove your self right when saying:
"I am negative, I am right that we will lose, and when we do, I can say so.
That is simply a sad, sad existence indeed. We suggest that you find a new, better and happier place to be, or maybe choose to be somewhere else?
Every year in April and again in November, in honor of Sean Taylor's birth and tragic death, Canespace will dedicate a memorial feature to recognize his many great contributions to the University of Miami football program...
Sean Michael Maurice Taylor was born in Miami on April 1, 1983.
Perhaps by fate, maybe by coincidence, it was later that same year that the University of Miami, behind a quarterback named Kosar and coach named Schnellenberger, would win their first college football National Championship by beating heavily favored Nebraska in the Orange Bowl.
That game, which put the UM program on the big-time college football map, has often been referred to as the "Miracle in Miami". Sean's Taylor's birth in April of that year could also be seen as a miracle for what this young man would soon bring to this team and its fans in his home town.
Sean would grow up in a tough South Dade neighborhood and later attend Gulliver High School where he would help them win the Class 2A State Title and become the #1 ranked prep player in the County by the Miami Herald. Sean was so dominant at this level that he played multiple positions including running back, linebacker and defensive back for that team.
After a spectacular Senior season and a hotly contested recruiting battle for this star athlete, Sean decided to attend the University of Miami. It would prove to be somewhat ironic that Sean would wind up being one of only four true freshmen to play in 2001 on the Hurricanes fifth National Championship team.
Even at this early stage, Sean's life had seemingly come full circle. From being born during the Miracle in Miami season of 1983 to contributing to what was arguably the best UM team ever, the Canes 2001 championship team. Sean Taylor had already become a hometown hero and would soon become a true legend in the 305.
As Junior at UM in 2003, after beating FSU at Doak Campbell Stadium in the pouring rain seemingly all by himself, Sean would win a slew of college football awards.
After that season, Sean decided it was time to take the next step and would opt for the NFL draft.
He would be the first of six Canes selected in the first round that year (an NFL record) when he was drafted fifth overall by the Washington Redskins.
By 2006 there was no doubt that Sean Taylor had become the dominant player at his position and was honored by being selected to the NFL Pro-bowl that year. Nicknamed "Meast" by teammates for being part man, part beast, Sean would become one of the most feared hitters in the NFL.
Entering his third year as a Redskin, Sean seemed to be at the top of his game and the NFL talent pool. By the tenth week of the NFL season he was tied for the league lead in interceptions and was considered an automatic selection for his second straight Pro-Bowl.
Then came the fateful night of November 26, 2007.
Sean Taylor, while at home asleep with his wife and 18 month-old daughter, awoke to a loud noise in his home. In an effort to protect his family, Sean confronted the would-be burglars. He was shot once and would later die from the severe loss of blood as his femoral artery was torn apart by the single bullet.
That night would end the life of a real Hurricane hero.
Sean Taylor's sudden and tragic death shocked his family, friends, teammates and the Hurricane faithful. When he died the day following the shooting, we promised to never forget his contributions to the University of Miami.
This blog article is our simple way of proving that we have not forgotten Sean Taylor, #26, who played at The U and was proud to wear the orange and green.
Some memories and images never fade.
Even now, if you close your eyes, you can probably still see him, #26 back peddaling into open space, picking off another deep pass, splashing through the rain and the mud at the Doak, weaving down the field behind several blockers, refusing to be denied and diving into the end zone for a pick six.
That is how we will choose to remember Sean Taylor.
As a miracle of a man who at times seemed completely capable of beating the other team all by himself.